WINNIPEG SUN: reports Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien met the local media for the first time yesterday. He declined to discuss his recent charge of drunk while boating, and was unconcerned over rumors he had a weight problem.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Looking at this picture of Byfuglien from the press conference, he doesn’t look overweight to me:

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It wouldn’t be September without Canadiens fans second-guessing management. Of course we all know Habs fans are way smarter than management, just look at their wise second-guessing last summer of Gauthier’s decision to retain Carey Price over Jaroslav Halak! Memo to Habs fans (and I’m one of you!): Follow Price’s advice from last September: “Chill out”! Let the season unfold and we’ll see if Gauthier made a good or bad decision regarding Markov over Wisniewski and cutting loose Hamrlik.

VANCOUVER PROVINCE: reports Canucks forward Manny Malhotra is eager to return to the club’s regular lineup this season. Malhotra said he’s made progress in regaining the vision in the eye which was injured late last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Terrific news for Malholtra, and for the Canucks, as he was their best faceoff man last season before his injury.

NATIONAL POST: reports young Maple Leafs forward Nazim Kadri believes he’s ready to become a regular on the team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Expectations were very high for Kadri the past two seasons, only to see them dashed. This training camp and pre-season could be very crucial in determining not just his chances of making the Leafs, but in his future with the club.

OTTAWA CITIZEN: reports Senators forward Peter Regin is hoping to make up for last season’s poor performance.

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